UN urges all Middle East parties to protect civilians and uphold international law

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The United Nations has renewed its call for all parties to the Middle East conflict to comply with international humanitarian law, warning that civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, must not be targeted regardless of military justification.

NEW YORK: The United Nations has issued a fresh warning to all parties involved in the Middle East conflict, insisting that civilian infrastructure must be protected and that international humanitarian law cannot be set aside in the conduct of military operations.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, speaking on Monday, said Secretary-General António Guterres is reminding all actors of their obligations under international law. Dujarric stated that even where specific infrastructure might be considered a legitimate military objective, attacks remain prohibited under international humanitarian law if they are likely to result in excessive incidental harm to civilians. Energy facilities were specifically cited as infrastructure that must be protected.

The UN’s call to uphold international law comes amid heightened tensions across the region, with conflict dynamics putting critical civilian systems at risk. The statement reflects growing concern at the highest levels of the United Nations over the potential for wider humanitarian consequences if restraint is not exercised.

In a separate development, the UN confirmed it is continuing discussions on establishing a new task force to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, including fertilisers and other essential materials. The strait is a critical chokepoint for global trade, and its stability has become an increasingly urgent concern amid regional escalation.

The Spokesperson also confirmed that Jean Arnault, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict, will travel to the region, with further details on his itinerary and destinations to be released in the coming days.

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